Saturday, January 14, 2012

The Circle

Original Oil painting by Helen Tilston

On my bedside table is a copy of the bookAnam Cara which was written by John O'Donohue, who is an Irish poet philosopher who lived in the west of Ireland until his early and untimely death at 52 yrs of age in 2008. This book is well worn and read. John, like myself, is a Celt. A Celtic symbol is the circle. Life is a circle, one event, leads to another and so on. I do believe the majority of you will enjoy this book.

One art collector, whom I had not met, (I shall refer to her as Madame X) contacted me last week to say she would be unable to attend our art opening this past Sunday. We made arrangements to meet yesterday and she received the docent tour of our exhibition, at Guppy's Restaurant.

This past summer Madame X purchased a plein air painting of Guppy's Restaurant, which I had painted more than a year ago.

Lunch Date Original oil by Helen Tilston

Madame X and her husband enjoyed a Thursday lunch date each week and they had a favourite table at Guppy's. My painting hung above their table. Her husband would say "let me buy you that painting as you so love it" she would say "Oh we have no space for it and we have such and such expense". Sadly her husband died in his sleep this past Spring, at the young age of 50 yrs. A month later she went to Guppy's and decided to sit at a new table with her friend - she looked up and there was my painting hanging above her new table (the restaurant was renovated and paintings re-hung by designer) and on looking at the title she saw it read"Guppy's lunch date". The rest is history. She is the proud owner of this painting.Over lunch we chatted about life and art and I mentioned that I used paint miniature art and exhibited.She looked vague and then asked if I had exhibited at the Belleview Biltmore at the juried minitature show. I assured her I had. This annual show consists of more than a 1,500 miniature paintings by artists from all over the world. Yes, you guessed it, she had purchased one of my miniatures about fifteen years ago.

My Irish playground Original Oil on Ivorine Miniature Helen Tilston

Miniature painting is oil on ivorine - pardon image, it is under glass.

We had a delightful lunch and I have a new friend.

Do you believe in the circle of life, events, happenings. Have you had such instances?

110 comments:

How lovely is YOUR world of colors and textures whose execution is BEYOND MY UNDERSTANDING! Doodles and glitter and paper is my area, but OH, to be able to paint! THANK YOU for dancing on over my way today and making my heart sing!!! CRAZY LITTLE THINK CALLED LOVE makes us crazy, doesn't it?

I most certainly do, Helen but in my terminology, it is a series of gates...that one enters or does not, some are only open for a short amount of time, others have always been there. Who knows, they probably form a circle for me too! It is the only way of explaining how I am living in France with such a wonderful man. :)

Your work is just so alive! I loved the story that you told but am very sorry for your new friends terrible loss. Fifty is just far too young.

I love this painting for the selection of colors and volumes of the effect of life that gives the thickness of the layers of paint, this house gives us the feeling of Mistere hidden behind the trees ....Very pretty fabric and thank you for sharing it with usHave a nice weekendSacha

Hello Helen:What a tender story of the art collector and proud owner of your paintings. How lovely that she will always have your 'lunch date' oil to remind her of the happy times she spent in the restaurant with her husband.

We were so pleased to be introduced to the poetry of John O' Donohue by you and shall now try to track down the collection of his work which you mention here. Lives ending far too early serve to remind us all of the precious time we have on this earth and how every moment must be savoured and lived to the full.

Your work has such energy and vibrancy. It really does lift the spirits, especially in these rather dreary days of winter.

We hope that 2012 has begun well for you and that much joy will be yours in the year ahead.

Such a touching story Helen, it brought tears of thankfulness at the way the 'circle of life' never fails to bring blessing and comfort together so beautifully.I look forward to discovering John O'Donohue's work.

Indeed I do! As a matter fact I have a copy of that very same book, Anam Carac on my nightstand. Though probably not as warn as your copy it has be a delight on many occasions!!! Wishing you well!!! Cathy

Hello Helen, I love the story of your new friendship and I find life is full of wonderful coincidences. I've always been drawn to circles and spirals in Nature, I think we all are. I would love to see/hear more of your miniature paintings inan other post...?Jane x

Dear Helen,I do love the orange and turquoise shades in your paintings!

And... you told us a lovely story!

When I was a very little girl, my mum had a most beautiful black coat, very elegant, which she wore to a few weddings. When I was tiny, I used to wear her high heel shoes and this gorgeous blue dress, with printed green roses, and a fantastic huge collar.

She loved beautiful clothes. Time after time, I wore the dress and the coat, with the heels, and walked backwards and forwards in front of the big wardrobe mirrors in my mum's bedroom. So many childhood memories (I kept tripping over the dress and the coat!) were attached to the beautiful black coat, which I never saw again until...

Last September, after my mum died, my sister took me to her bedroom and said:"I have something to show you! Look at this lovely coat of mum's. I think it might be a bit short on you, but if you want it, you can take it!"

Much to my surprise, there it was: THE COAT I wore so many times, as a child. I put it on, feeling like Cinderella must have done, when she got her beautiful ball gown.

My mother was a lot shorter than me, but the coat fitted above my knees and the sleeves were not long, but three quarter length, on me. I took the coat in hid my face in it, as I knew I would cry.

The coat is here, with me, Helen, and, you know what? When I went out, this morning, I wore it! I love my beautiful black brocade vintage coat!

Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Coming from an artist, like you, Anita, these words mean much to me. I am grateful.I loved your post and I am still singing that song. Hope your weekend is fun too.

I like your analogy of gates and deciding to pass through or not. Remi sounds like a wonderful man and so talented too. I can read from your posts how much you love your life.Yes Heather, it is always so sad when one loses a loved one suddenly. He had a massive heart attack in his sleep.

How delighted I am to see your names in the Inbox today. I have missed you and wish you both a very Happy New Year and may it bring abundant blessings.Madame X has beautiful memories of her husband who loved her so dearly. She is, cheerfully, getting on with life and caring for their 17 yr old son.Thank you for your review on my painting and I must strive to be the painter you say I am.

I am delighted to hear your sister and you are fan of Johnny. He is such an incredible writer and his poetry often brings tears. We were born in the same county(Galway). I listen to RTE Radio, on my computer, and when he died I spent the day listening and the obituaries were very moving. He touched so many people.

Thanks for visiting. Yes you are right, we are all drawn to circles.Thank you for your compliments on my miniature art. I did paint miniatures for several years and like the saying "the shoemaker has no shoes" I have very few left. That is a good suggestion to do a post on miniatures.

I love your analogy "life is circles tied in knots by artists" I shall remember that.

Miniatures are precious and they take as much or more time than a larger painting. They do lent themselves to portraiture. As you likely know, miniatures were originally for portraits, painted on ivorine and the gentleman would carry his sweethearts portrait in the case of his pocket watch. Or the lady would have the image in her gold locket. Then photography came along!

This is a beautiful story Helen and how lovely this lady finally purchased your gorgeous painting. For sure it now resides where it's very much appreciated.As for the circle of life..I have a dear lifelong friend and we've always tried to kept in touch even after she moved overseas twenty years ago but in the past three years we have really made an effort to email frequently and call each other on our birthdays and this reconnection brings us both immense joy.xx

What a lovely story Helen but how sad that Madame X lost her husband at 50. I do indeed believe in the circle of life. I have the book that you speak of, but must admit it is a good while since I read it. I need to get it out!

I missed your previous post about the water bottles. I have just read it and enjoyed it thoroughly. I love your bedroom it is so pretty.

I hope the exhibition is going well. Your opening painting is amazing! Much love to you, Linda x

What an incredible story? And I am sure I have been in such circles but I cannot recall now...this tells me to start journaling...I love the colors you use...so rich, so beautiful! I am glad Madame X has that painting! Sending you love! xx

Hi Helen, many thanks for your visit and lovely comments. How thrilling that you have seen Vermeer's Milkaid in the flesh. I once saw a painting by Turner and it was tiny, it is quite a shock to the system isn't it? I have had quite a lovely lazy time since Christmas, but now I need to knuckle down! Much love to you, Linda x

What a interesting story, and what a wonderful way to make a new friend. How sad that she lost her husband at an age when one would expect to have many more years together. I imagine your painting will bring her a measure of comfort and trigger happy memories.

I use the expression, tissue barometer, when I get teary. This is one of those occasions Helen...such a touching story and right up there on my tissue barometer. I am sure, I tell you over and over again, how much I love your work. Just had to say it again...and....

How interesting that you mention coincidences as I just read a similar story by Bonnie @ Living Life. http://livinglifebytheseatofmypants.blogspot.com/2012/01/stranger-in-lund.html

It is worth a read, you will understand when you do. Things like this often happen to me. I record them in a journal...it is such a treat to go back and read them. I was thinking of one the other day, it took palce about 20 years ago and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

PS... my maiden name is O'Neil... my sister is big on signs and coincidences...she is always looking for a sign...and it usually appears. I often wonder if it runs in the family..maybe way back when in Ireland, there were sisters just like us. Sometimes I think she is crazy but other times I wonder...just like your story.

Dear HelenYour love of art really shows in your work. The use of vibrant colours makes the paintings come alive... just beautiful.I am glad your friend now has 'Guppy's lunch date' to remind her of the happy times she had there with her husband. I am so sorry he died so young.I would love to know more about your miniature paintings... a subject for another post maybe? I hope you have a lovely week.Abby xx

Lovely to hear from you and I am sure you cherish the memories of your dear friend, now overseas. Thank God for technology and being able to continue your friendship through the phone.I do feel the painting is with the right owner. Curiously tucked behind the painting is the menu from Guppy's, a photo of the 2 of them dining at Guppys, a photo of her son and other momentos.Thank you for visiting and wishing you a joyful weekHelen xx

I somehow thought you would have a copy of Anam Cara. Thanks Linda for your approval of my painting and kind words. Madame X, while having undergone such a tragedy, was positive and hopeful. It is curious, I had seen her and her husband before meeting her this time.(she showed me pictures)perhaps I saw them during one of their lunch dates.Wishing you a joyful week

It is surprising how when seeing paintings in books over the year, we have preconcieved notions of their size. The Milkmaid is absolutely beautiful and the use of light and shadow is spectacular. Small paintings can be gems too.Hope you have a great inspiring weekHelenxx

Hi Lakota I love the wit in your blog name.It is indeed so sad that Madame X lost her beautiful husband and like you said we take for granted to grow old together. I do hope my Guppy's Lunch Date bring her fond memories and joy.Thank you for stopping in and wishing you a great week HelenxxPS Thank you for your comment on my lead painting.H

I love your expression "Tissue Barometer" may I adopt it?Thank you Jeanne for complimenting my art work. I truly appreciate hearing this from such an accomplished photographer and whose mother is a famous artist. You have the artistic gene Jeanne - good pun.

I will skip over to Bonnie @ Living Life. That is interesting that you journal Jeanne. No doubt you have several journals and I hope your record your travels.

Perhaps it is an Irish trait to look for symbols and signs. God knows our forefathers did.

Thank you for your flattering comment on my paintings. The light here at Indian Rocks Beach year around is similar to Venice in summertime.I'm sorry it is so cold in VCE. We were there 3 yrs ago in December and I was never so cold as then. It seems a damp cold and a hot bath was the answerHope the sun is shining.Helen xx

Thank you for your observation and compliment on my painting. You have me figures out, I love painting and spend every spare minute at the paint box.Glad you like the miniature painting too. That is a good ideaAbby I shall write a post about it.Wishing you a joyful week.

Helen, Your paintings are wonderful! I do believe people and events are placed in our path for a reason. It is up to each individual to be open to receive the gifts. I love your story. I can only imagine how overwhelmed Madame X must have been when she realized her new table was under the same painting her late husband had wanted to buy for her. I like to think he had something to do with it.

Again, thank you so much for visiting and joining me over at Living Life. I hope I do not disappoint. I look forward to getting to know you. Hugs, Bonnie

Helen,What a beautiful story you told...how wonderful that she now has the painting and with it so many wonderful memories and to now be able to call you, the artist as one of her friends, just makes it that much more special.xoannie

Your paintings are beautiful Helen, I would have loved a closer look at your miniature. Yes, I certainly believe that we meet those we are meant to meet, and that it's up to us to make something happen from the encounter.Your story is lovely, thank youSharonx

How coincidental that we would write of similar topics and the people who are put in our paths.Yes, her husband who was a wonderful man was called too soon.I hope she can call on his love to her as she raises their beautiful son. Madame X has a spirit of gratefullness.

Thank you for following my blog and I will look forward to knowing you and your writing.Helen xx

It is curious how we seem to be on similar wavelengths this week. I also think her husband may have had a say in her having the painting.I must say I felt a warm glow meeting her and the series of events leading to our meeting.Life can be beautiful.

Your compliment means a lot Sharon, coming from an artist as accomplished as you are. You are right, it is what we make of the encounter.I plan on doing a post on miniature art and will get better images of my work. I do need a new camera.Hope your week is wonderful and that you are able to ride your horsesHelenxx

Hi Helen! This is lovely! I most certainly do believe in such things and such circles - I think, though, that sometimes we all need little reminders of this kind of serendipity, which your post is for me. Thanks for popping by today and for following along! All the best, Jeanne

Thank you for your kind compliment on my red house. It is one of my favourite homes. It was custom built and the owner does not fear colour. The sun always seems to dance on this home when I pass by.Hope you have sunshine in Maine

Your paintings are stunning I especially love the painting of the bright red house It feels so alive. Enjoyed your beautiful storyI've have read Anam Cara great bookJohn O Donohue has also written some beautiful poetry. I am also a firm believer of synchronisity having experienced it many times

Have just found your page and wanted to say how much I love your paintings and your blog ... and how excited I was to see you also treasure "Anam Cara." It's by my bed and if I can't sleep at night, it keeps me company. I am looking forward to following you around the "circle." Best wishes, Marilee (Eugene, Oregon, USA)

Thank you for your beautiful comment on my painting. I love architecture and in particular the earlier Spanish architecture prevalent here in Florida.John O'Donohue's work is powerful and his writing touches the heart.

Thank you for visiting my site and becoming a new follower...very flattered. I loved reading your next post about the charity event...it looked like so much fun. I also enjoyed reading this post and how small the world is when two people connect. Your painting is also very lovely. Don't you just enjoy it when two paths cross in such a wonderful way?

To answer your question, I have had many encounters and crossings. Here is one:

A friend of mine, Murray, was living in Alaska while I was living in St. Louis. We emailed quite often, and he worked with a very close friend of his, Brian. Brian was going through a painful divorce and he happened to be quick witted and my friend asked if I would mind emailing him to just talk with him to cheer him up, as Brian was a very good soul and very down on himself during this painful time. (Nothing romantic.)

I emailed him and over many months, our emails contained friendly, platonic banter. With time, and encouragement, he came out of his depression and got back to his old self. We emailed many times and some days more than once. About a year later, he emailed me and he had found a new love. I was so happy for him, she sounded perfect. He was still in Alaska, she in Hawaii. He was due to get transferred back to the states soon. At this time, I had only seen a photo of Brian, we had never met.

Over time, our emails ceased, as his new life took a new path. Life was good again for Brian. About a year later, me still living in St. Louis, I went on a short trip with a friend to San Francisco. While there, we were along the waterside, at a nondescript lunch place, eating outdoors. I look at the back of the head of a man and then only to see the side of his face and stared at him as he crosses the room. I tell my friend that I think I know him. I get up and walk over to him and stand right in front of him, and without saying a word, he smiles and says my name!

He was only in San Francisco for a dental convention and just stopped to have lunch. We both called our mutual friend, Murray, and all had a huge laugh.

That was the only time I ever saw him. Several years later, Brian called me to let me know that Murray wasn't doing well, and over the next year, we got in contact again as Murray slowly passed away. The man who loved Brian so much and called on me to help bring Brian out of slump is now being taken care of by Brian up to his last days. It is amazing how things turn around and work out.

I am not sure how, why or what my role was, three people, thousands of miles apart, through emails, came together and helped each other through some of the most difficult times of their lives. And for one brief moment, on the waterfront in San Francisco, our paths crossed.

Murray and Brian are both special. They had a bond of brotherhood unlike most men. I feel very blessed that I got to witness such a friendship.

Thanks for sharing your story so I could share mine. I haven't really shared that story before.

It's really quite funny how the circle of life goes around in more ways than the obvious.... I'm just laughing right out loud, at the moment. As I've been toodling around Blogland, I've been observing and reading your comments to others. Then, I followed a link from Jane and Lance Hattat's to visit you and left quite a comment on this very post - the muse had hit - your story had stirred some extremely pleasant thoughts - and, then, (as occasionally happens) I left the page before my comment had fully published and it evaporated into cyber space. My thunder spent, I had to let it go. Yet, then, yesterday, there you are, commenting on my blog 'in the sunny spot'. It's a dizzying, circular story. Are you lightheaded, yet? ;) I'm certainly getting there but laughing with the whirly blur, all the same! =D

How lovely to connect with you and I feel like I know you, as we have friends in common here in blogtopia.I understand your frustration when the comment disappears and sometimes it is hard to re-write as the freshness has evaporated.This is a lovely story of "the circle" and looking forward to seeing you in the circle again